Platypus Big Zip Evo Review

9.3
9.3 score
[Editors rating (9.3)] = (WalkJogRun) score (9.3)/10


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Editor rating: 9.3 / 10
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Outdoor enthusiasts know how important proper hydration can be which is why choosing the right liquid pack is a must! Whether you’re hiking, backpacking, running, or even biking it’s imperative that you have a convenient way to satisfy your thirst while you’re on the go. Otherwise, you could end up overheating and feel unwell from the unpleasant symptoms associated with dehydration.

No matter what athletic activity you choose to engage, the Platypus Big Zip Evo Reservoir will meet your needs and more! It comes in a range of sizes and offers tons of performance-geared features to help support you while you’re on the move.

 

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
  • BPA & BPS Free
  • Taste-Free
  • Center Baffle
  • Embedded Silver-Ion
  • 5/16" Tube
Cons
  • Weak Seams

Closures

If convenience is what you’re seeking then you’ll love Evo Reservoir’s zip-seal that allows for effortless opening, closing, and filling. This ultra-secure locking system slides in both directions making it a breeze to operate whether you’re left or right handed and lets you maneuver from either direction depending on whichever is the most convenient. This is a handy feature for hikers, backpackers, and cyclists who don’t have time to waste with inconvenient fastening systems.

Leak Prevention

Don’t you just hate it when your hydration equipment leaks?! There’s nothing worse than being halfway through your hike and realizing that your water’s all leaked away and you’re left to thirst for the rest of the trek! When you’re packing the Big Zip Evo you can check your worries at the door because it’s made with an innovative leak-proof shut-off valve that guarantees you won’t end up with a dry well before the day is done. This unique feature instantly stops the flow of liquid and delivers the kind of reliable stowing that outdoor enthusiasts crave.

Its rubber hose is quite flexible and mounts nicely to the bladder without any leakage. Whereas, some packs are made with a rigid hose that can awkward to connect and can end up leaking because it's not properly mounted in the first place.

Capacity

This hydration pack is conveniently size in three different capacities to suit whichever activity were engaged. Choose between a 1.5 L, 2 L, or 3 L capacity which means that you can be as comfortable as possible while you're hiking, backpacking, or performing any other outdoor athletic activity. If your pack is too heavy it will slow you down and cause fatigue whereas, if it’s too light it won't hold enough liquid to keep you satisfied for the duration you’re engaged in your sport of choice. The different sizing that the Platypus comes in makes it super convenient and suitable for the whole family.

Valves

This pack boasts an impressive 5/16” drink tube for enhanced flow. This means that you won’t end up slurping away trying to get a satisfying drink! Instead, you’ll have a nice solid stream that quenches your thirst entirely without having to strain. Its HyFLO Self-Sealing bite valve lets you operate this equipment hands-free which is ideal for cyclists or even for hikers who don’t want to have to stop every time they need a drink.

Filling

Filling up your hydration pack can be a handful, literally, which is why we can’t get enough of Big Zip’s handy pincher grip. This neat little feature lets you refill with ease and allows for effortless one-handed filling. This is a must while you’re on the move and can save you loads of time and effort that would normally have been wasted with those pesky two-handed styles.

Hygienic

You won’t have to worry about mold or bacteria spoiling your fresh water thanks to this hygienic reservoir. Made with embedded silver-ion that helps to shield liquid from unhealthy bacteria and mildew that can accumulate inside of this type of equipment. Silver is a naturally occurring element that is bacteriostatic by nature which is why it’s commonly used as an emergency drinking water disinfectant.

Bacteriostatic agents are biological agents that inhibit the growth of bacteria by stopping their reproduction. This means that you won’t have to suffer from accidentally drinking contaminated fluids so you’ll only get the healthiest form of hydration.

Care

Platypus designed this pack to allow for easier cleaning and drying. It offers a semi-rigid center baffle that helps to restrain the liquid for less slosh. This results in smooth wear because you get less movement coming from your pack so your balance is better overall. The baffle is what helps to support your tube and better direct the flow of liquid from the bladder and is one of the more important aspects of any hydration pack. The Big Zip’s low-profile baffle lets you reach those difficult spots for more advanced cleaning and allows for plenty of air when it comes to dry.

Materials

There’s nothing worse than being stuck with a water reservoir that tastes awful! You know, that plastic and chemical taste that’s all too common with this type of gear?! Platypus is the kind of brand that delivers quality products so you don’t have to sweat the small stuff and it delivers nicely with its Big Zip experience. Made with materials that are certified taste-free, BPA-free, BPS-free, and phthalate-free you won’t taste anything other than pure clean liquid while using this pack.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a compound often used in plastics which studies have proven to be harmful to the brain and reproductive system because of its estrogen content. Nowadays, many retailers use a substitute, bisphenol S (BPS) in its stead. But, research has now shown that this compound could potentially be just as harmful which is why it’s so important to use products that are free from both BPA and BPS entirely.

Phthalates are chemicals used to soften plastics and sometimes vinyl materials. When we drink liquids contained in packages with this chemical we ingest it which can be dangerous. These chemicals are thought to disrupt our endocrines which can lead to cancer.

Thankfully, this product is free from all of the harmful chemicals mentioned above so you can have peace of mind and be rest assured that you're only drinking the most natural and healthiest form of liquid.

Mouthpiece

When it comes to this type of equipment the last thing that you want is something that feels uncomfortable when you use it. This Platypus bladder has an ergonomically designed mouthpiece that feels natural when it's in your mouth. This is a big aspect because some are designed with a poor mouthpiece that could actually end up causing you quite a bit of discomfort by the time you're done.

This product offers an enjoyable bite valve that won't leak while you're on the go. It actually rotates to fully shut-off which is super convenient if you're not planning on having a drink for quite some time. This lets you place the tube right inside your pack without having to worry about any accidental leaks if your gear presses against it.

Durability

As with any other product, the Big Zip Evo is not without its downfalls. One concern that affected a small percentage of users was the durability of its construction. One user reported that they experienced splitting seams after just a few uses which can, undoubtedly pose a concern. Most people did not have any issues with this but it's something to keep in mind as there was a small number who did. The best way to prevent any issues with the seams is to follow the directions carefully and be sure that you don't overfill the recommended capacity as this will weaken the seams by placing undue pressure on them.

Bottom Line

Overall, the Big Zip Evo is quite an impressive hydration pack! It comes in three sizes, 1.5 L, 2 L, and 3 L which makes it super convenient no matter what size of gear you like to use. Its zip-seal reservoir allows for effortless opening, closing, and filling while its secure locking system is a breeze to operate.

Leaks will become a thing of the past thanks to this bladder's innovative design features which include a leak-proof shut off valve that instantaneously stops the flow of liquid. Its flexible rubber hose mounts seamlessly to the bladder and further eliminates any potential leakage points.

Keeping this once clean is no problem at all thanks to its semi-rigid center baffle that lets you reach difficult spots with ease. Designed for smooth, slosh-free wear, this pack is perfect for athletic individuals who enjoy cycling, hiking, backpacking, and more.

This product is BPA, BPS, taste, and phthalate-free which means that you'll only be drinking the purest form of liquid and won't have to worry about the dangerous effects of chemical ingredients. Most plastic and vinyl materials contain harmful chemicals that can cause brain and reproductive development issues or even cancer! But this option is much safer so your whole family can enjoy it without putting anyone at risk.